Throwback Thursday: Locksmith Pricing In 1953

June 26, 2014
Locksmith Ledger takes a look back at the average locksmith prices from more than 60 years ago

Locksmith Ledger takes a look back at the average locksmith prices from more than 60 years ago. Even the categories have changed. Tasks such as repairing door closers and installing automotive springs are no longer required. Hourly rates were around $3.50/hour and most keys cost less than a dollar.

Stay tuned for our 2014 National Price Survey, which will include a number of new electronic locksmithing categories.

DUPLICATING KEYS

Cylinder Type: 35 cents

Bit keys: 75 cents

Steel bit: 50 cents

Bit master keys – steel: $1

Flat steel: 35 cents

Flat steel (double sided): 50 cents

Double sided cylinder type: 50 cents

Duo & other irregular types: $1

Safe deposit box keys: 75 cents

Broken Cylinder keys: 50 cents

QUANTITY PRICES

25 or more all alike: 10% discount

200 or more all alike: 20% discount

FITTING FIRST KEY

Rim (pin tumbler): $1

Rim (wafer tumbler): $1

Best cylinders: $1.50

Mortise cylinders: $1

Padlocks (pin tumblers): $1

Padlocks (wafer tumbler): 50 cents

Automotive cylinders: $1

Bit keys (1 tumbler): 75 cents

Bit keys (3 tumblers): $1

Locker keys: $1

Flat steel cabinet locks: $1

Suitcase keys: 50 cents

KEYS BY NUMBER

Automotive: 75 cents

Suitcase keys: 75 cents

Trunk keys: 50 cents

Mailbox keys: 75 cents

DOOR CLOSER REPAIRS

Screen door type: $2.50

Repack and refill overhead type: $4.50

Floor checks: 11.50

OUT OF SHOP SERVICE

Hourly rate (1 hr. min): $3.50

Fitting 1st key automotive: $3.50

Mileage: 10 cents/mile

SHOP WORK

Hourly rate: $3.50

Installing auto springs: $3.50

CYLINDER WORK

Mortise and rim type set to sample key: $1

Master keying (per cylinder): $1

Schlage, wafer type master keyed: $1.50

Schlage, pin tumbler type, reset combination: $1.25